What is the difference between a biohazard clean and a deep clean?

Different to a deep clean, biohazard cleans deal with the removal and cleaning up of potentially infectious and dangerous substances and materials.

From asbestos removal to responding to crime scenes, suicides, unattended deaths, road traffic and railway accidents or industrial injuries, biohazard cleaning professionals perform a critical service. 

Specialist Remediation Solutions (SRS) of Desborough in Northamptonshire carries out such services. The company works with a wide range of clients from across the country including the police, local authorities, care homes, landlords and estate agents, businesses and private, domestic clients. 

Operations Director, Elena Paunete, explains: “As biohazard and trauma cleaning specialists, we have a responsibility to manage infections and minimise the risks of contamination, such as disease exposure.

“For example, if we are called out to a council flat by a local authority where a resident has passed away and not been found for some time, we will need to tackle more than stubborn stains. Every drop of blood or bodily fluid can contain HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and other pathogens. There may also be maggot or fly infestations present too. We need to perform a thorough clean and dispose of everything very carefully. It’s about breaking the chain of infection and keeping everyone who comes into contact with that building, safe.

“A situation like this can require weeks of deep cleaning and odour neutralisation due to decomposition. Road traffic accidents often involve biohazards in tight, absorbent vehicle interiors, as well as on the actual carriageway. Even a minor blood spill in a workplace or an accident at home can lead to an unsafe environment without proper remediation.”

Biohazard cleaning techniques include physical clean ups of affected areas, sanitising, deodorising and removing potentially infectious bodily fluids and hazardous materials safely.To do this, trained biohazard and trauma cleaners use specialist equipment including ozone generators, UV-C lights, foggers, and HEPA-filtered vacuums. The goal is not just cleanliness, but decontamination and restoration.

“The EPA-approved disinfectants we use are formulated to kill 99.99% of bacteria and viruses that continue to work even when the surfaces are dry,” continues Elena. “Improper clean-ups not only risk human health but can carry legal consequences too. That’s why training in bloodborne pathogens, hazard communication, respiratory protection, and waste handling is mandatory for the SRS team.”

Despite SRS only setting up in the last year, the expert team has a combined 30 years of experience and has already completed more than 150 projects and won an award.

Managing Director, Stephen Booth, said: “Unlike a standard deep clean, biohazard cleaning demands full PPE, biohazard waste handling, and compliant procedures, all of which ensure that neither the public nor the cleaners are exposed to anything potentially life threatening.

“Plus, it is always vital to remember that behind almost every trauma or biohazard scene we clean is a human story - often one of grief, confusion, or shock. We always approach each situation with respect, compassion, professionalism, and absolute discretion. Our actions can make a huge difference to a family feeling overwhelmed and upset. It’s not uncommon for cleaners to be the first step in a family’s healing process.”

To find out more about SRS and the biohazard and trauma cleaning services it provides, go to https://srsolutions.uk